Surrey Chambers of Commerce, supported by Smartran Ltd, is delighted to announce a scheme to reward travel choices by residents and employees in Surrey. This is a low risk and compelling proposition which is based on a proven nationwide reward scheme. The objective is to encourage people to switch from using the car and reward them for regularly and continually using alternative means of travel, including cycling, walking, car-sharing and public transport. The Surrey scheme has been funded by Travel Smart in Surrey. It is planned to extend the scheme to other areas of the UK.

Employees, students and residents making regular journeys can earn Eco Rewards for every return trip or ticket purchased in the scheme area. Cycling and walk to work/school schemes are included and are rewarded where participation can be recorded and verified.

The Eco Rewards can be exchanged for free offers, discounted products and cashback financial rewards from over 2000 retailers. The rewards can be collected by the individual or donated to a local charity or community organisation to help them raise funds. There is no cost to the scheme operator or service providers for the value of the rewards earned. Eco Rewards provide an additional incentive for people to use alternative modes of transport which is not treated as remuneration and is funded by the 2000+ Eco Rewards retailers.

Walk to work/school and cycle schemes will require recording and reporting each journey claimed which will be organised with participating employers and schools. There are manual and automated methods which will be used to track participation. Each qualifying journey can be rewarded with points worth up to £2.50/day.

The scheme is being launched initially in the Sheerwater, Maybury, Stoke and Stoughton neighbourhoods with launch offers. Businesses in Woking and Guildford will be invited to join.

Eco Rewards is a trademark of Smartran Ltd who has developed the Eco Rewards concept, design and scheme. Surrey Chambers of Commerce secured funding for the pilot schemes in Surrey and is promoting and supporting the scheme for organisations in Surrey.

The website and reward accounts are developed and operated by VacMedia.